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Examining the Outcomes of Project ECHO ® as an Interprofessional Community of Practice for Pediatric Feeding Clinicians.

Authors :
Raatz M
Ward EC
Moss P
Reilly C
Frederiksen N
Dickinson C
Clarke S
Beak K
Marshall J
Source :
Dysphagia [Dysphagia] 2024 Apr; Vol. 39 (2), pp. 208-222. Date of Electronic Publication: 2023 Jul 16.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Project ECHO <superscript>®</superscript> is a virtual, interprofessional, cased-based peer-learning model. To date, no studies have explored ECHO as a model for pediatric feeding education. This study examined the outcomes of establishing a pediatric feeding ECHO network. Using a prospective, mixed-methods design, two cohorts of allied health professionals were recruited. Each cohort participated in eight, 90-min videoconference sessions incorporating a didactic presentation and clinical case presentation. The case was presented by a participant, with questions and recommendations provided by the ECHO network. Participants completed: (1) a learning needs analysis before the ECHO series, (2) a self-reported confidence questionnaire pre, post, and 3-month post, (3) a satisfaction questionnaire after each session, and (4) an overall satisfaction questionnaire post-ECHO series. Time spent by hospital allied health clinicians providing impromptu phone/email feeding support to external clinicians was recorded for 8 weeks prior to and 8 weeks during the ECHO series. Forty-seven participants were included in the study, attending an average of 5.8 sessions. Significant improvements in self-reported confidence were observed across the three time points (p < 0.01) with less experienced participants demonstrating greater improvements. Participants reported high satisfaction with ECHO, with 93% (40/43) wanting continued access to ECHO in future. The multidisciplinary format, interactivity, structure, and case-based nature of ECHO were considered beneficial. A 75% reduction in requests for support from clinicians in the same catchment area was noted during the ECHO series. Results demonstrated that Project ECHO is a viable model for pediatric feeding education for clinicians working in the field. Further research is needed to investigate the long-term effects and impacts on clinical care.<br /> (© 2023. Crown.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1432-0460
Volume :
39
Issue :
2
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Dysphagia
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
37454335
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00455-023-10603-z